A new 12-storey commercial and residential development will shoot up at Camberwell Junction, ending a years-long battle over the site between developers, residents and the council.
While Camberwell in Melbourne’s east is known for its tree-lined streets, manicured lawns, grand Federation homes and double-storey mansions, the new development is flanked by retail and office buildings and neighbours the elliptical glass Aerial building.
An artist’s impression of the project to be built at Camberwell Junction following City of Boroondara approval. The Aerial building can be seen to the right. Credit: Above Zero/Cera Stribley
The building will go up at 699 Burke Road after the City of Boroondara voted at an urban planning meeting on Monday night to push ahead. The move could pave the way for more high-rise buildings to sprout up in the area.
The 36-apartment development had faced stiff opposition from dozens of residents at the Aerial. They sought to block the development in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal with complaints over the proposed height and a lack of parking.
The council approval comes after several separate VCAT disputes over the site, spanning eight years.
Camberwell has a long history of community backlash over dual-occupancies, towering developments and any perceived threats to its heritage.
Grassroots campaigns over the years, including pushback against the redevelopment of Camberwell train station, have been spearheaded by celebrities including actor Geoffrey Rush and comedian Barry Humphries.
The most recent application for the Burke Road site was put forward by applicants including architects Cera Stribley, and developer Above Zero, and lodged with Boroondara council in May last year.
The council’s director of urban living, Scott Walker, said the proposal had undergone several amendments and incarnations following mediation meetings between all parties, eventually garnering the support of the council and objectors.
The developers agreed to amend their original designs by abandoning plans for a 13th storey and increasing the number of car parks from 180 to 214.
The new building (seen in a side view) will have more parking and one less storey than first proposed.Credit: Above Zero/Cera Stribley
The development will include office floor areas from levels one to five, apartments from levels six to 11 and a communal rooftop terrace.
City of Boroondara planning officer Aileen Chin said the proposal made a “significant contribution” to the suburb and provided a diverse offering of apartments alongside commercial space.
“The revised proposal is considered … an exemplary development within its site context, effectively resolving and balancing numerous complex and conflicting design aspects while providing a notable contribution to the public realm,” Chin said at the Monday meeting.
Boroondara Mayor Lisa Hollingsworth said it was an excellent outcome for the community.
The 36-apartment development had faced stiff opposition from residents at the Aerial (right).Credit: Simon Schluter
Camberwell has become a point of tension between the state government’s push for higher density in inner suburbs and locals’ desire to preserve the character of their area and avoid overdevelopment.
Asked if the Burke Road development could trigger a wave of high-rises in the suburb, Hollingsworth said the project was appropriate for the site.
Last year, the council voted to oppose many of the key elements of Victoria’s Housing Statement, including the abolition of planning permits for thousands of granny flats, arguing it would erode neighbourhood character and spark parking chaos.
Hollingsworth said the council had instead submitted its own plans for Camberwell Junction to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny. Boroondara is lobbying the government to endorse its plan, which has a target of 1500 new apartments allowing for 3500 new residents in Camberwell Junction by 2051.
The plan allows height limits of six to eight storeys near Camberwell station and up to 12 storeys in other parts of Camberwell Junction.
“We are looking forward to it being endorsed [by the government] so we can unlock future housing and employment opportunities in Camberwell Junction,” Hollingsworth said.
Get the day’s breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter.